Bobby Kennedy - May, 1968 - Portland State
University
Just days before his fateful trip to California.

In May of 1968, Bobby Kennedy's campaign trail
brought him to Oregon for the 1968 primary. Lyndon Johnson had
pulled out as a candidates, and Bobby was the leading candidate.
Bobby came in 2nd to Eugene McCarthy in Oregon's primary and then moved onto California for his fate with
destiny.

Bobby was even more dynamic than his brother John.
Bobby spoke to the common man about hope at at a time of despair over
President Johnson's escalation in the Vietnam War.

Bobby was charismatic and an eloquent speaker.

Students, faculty and national media crowded into
the Portland State University gym to hear Bobby speak of his plans for our
country.

Bobby was accompanied by his sisters. Eunice
Shriver is best known for her role with the Special Olympics.

Even with Bobby Kennedy, there were protests.
Until I scanned these old negatives, I had forgotten about the "Cut Your
Hair" anti-Bobby crusaders.

As Bobby exited the PSU gym there were more crowds
outside, who could not make it into the crowded gym. In shaking
hands as he made his way through the crowd, someone actually took his left
hand cufflink as a souvenir.

My how times have changed. Can you even
imagine ever getting this close to a presidential candidate today?

Stay tuned to this website for more historical
photos of Richard Nixon, Nelson Rockefeller, George Romney, and more.